Our Residents

Our residents come from around the country and around the world, bringing with them a wide variety of unique experiences and perspectives as they continue their medical studies at Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Third-Year Residents

Sana Aman, M.D.

Dr. Sana Aman is originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, where she completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Carleton University. She earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts & Nevis. Dr. Aman’s clinical interests are ever-expanding and currently lie in urgent care, preventive medicine, behavioral science and aesthetic medicine. Her patient care philosophy involves a down-to-earth approach of connecting with her patients. She has an interest in helping underserved communities and strives to help patients understand the healthcare system and their individual health. In her spare time, Dr. Aman enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, blogging and meeting new people.

Zainab Amin, M.D.

Dr. Zainab Amin was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan. She earned her medical degree from the Washington University of Health and Science in Belize. Women’s health and obstetrics comprise some of Dr. Amin’s keen areas of clinical interest. After completing her residency, her dream is to pursue a family medicine obstetrics fellowship. When she is not practicing medicine, Dr. Amin loves to spend time with her family and enjoy outdoor activities.

Reina Ayala, M.D.

Dr. Reina Ayala is originally from San Diego, California. She received her medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Mexico. Before receiving her medical degree, she studied biology at the University of California Berkeley, where she discovered her passion for medicine. Dr. Ayala strives to increase community partnerships, eliminate health disparities and promote health literacy. She is especially dedicated to providing care to the underserved, including the elderly and minority communities. When she is not practicing medicine, she is committed to her two young children, tutoring, running, hiking and going to the gym.

Ludny Charles, M.D.

Dr. Ludny Charles was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Irvington, New Jersey. She earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine & Health Sciences in St. Kitts. Her areas of clinical interests include community outreach, global health, nutrition and preventive medicine. Her future career plans include training in underserved communities that face significant health disparities. Dr. Charles enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, as well as traveling, cooking, dancing and outdoor activities.

Cullen Copeland, M.D.

Dr. Cullen Copeland is originally from Livingston, Tennessee. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. After working as an emergency medicine technician at the University of Tennessee Knoxville for twelve years, he decided to pursue a career as a physician. Dr. Copeland earned his medical degree from St. James School of Medicine in Anguilla, West Indies. His clinical interests include emergency medicine, women’s care, pediatrics and global missionary work. In his spare time, he enjoys the great outdoors with his wife and children, golfing, traveling and medical mission work.

Pamela Cuebas, M.D.

Dr. Pamela Cuebas was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then, she attended medical school at the University of Health Sciences in St. Kitts. Her care philosophy is to treat the patient as a whole and incorporate physical, mental and social aspects of health. Dr. Cuebas applies holistic and integrative medicine whenever possible. She believes that physicians should always be involved in patient education. Her clinical interests include lifestyle medicine, preventative medicine and women’s health. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, getting together with family and friends, playing board games, going on road trips and salsa dancing.

Nicole Daniel, M.D.

Dr. Nicole Daniel was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University of Lodz in Lodz, Poland. Her clinical areas of interest include preventative medicine, nutrition, rural medicine, global health and community medicine. Dr. Daniel has a special interest in helping the underserved, and she uses an empathetic and attentive approach with all her patients. Her personal interests include spending time with her family and friends, weight lifting, traveling, discovering new food spots and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and biking.

Veerauo Konkankit, M.D.

Dr. Veerauo Konkankit was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned her bachelor of biological sciences degree from UC Irvine in Irvine, California. She then pursued a master of physiological science from UCLA in Los Angeles, California, and a medical doctorate from Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla. Dr. Konkankit’s areas of clinical interest include ambulatory and hospital medicine, lifestyle and integrative medicine, community medicine and sports medicine. She is a strong advocate for her patients and believes in the importance of working together with patients as a team. Her love of medicine has taken Dr. Konkankit around the country to advance research and care for patients in diverse settings. She hopes to use her experiences to encourage and mentor young adults who aspire to a medical career. She enjoys cooking, gardening, working out and spending time outdoors with her husband and children.

Second-Year Residents

Deya Ajaleh, M.D.

Dr. Deya Ajaleh grew up in a small rural community outside Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He was a practicing paramedic who was involved in search and rescue operations for several years before deciding to change careers in pursuit of better patient outcomes. He earned his medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Dr. Ajaleh has always been a champion of patient advocacy and a lifelong learner. He uses a holistic approach to medicine while incorporating a preventative outlook. His clinical interests include psychological well-being, community medicine and management of chronic conditions. On his days off, Dr. Ajaleh enjoys staying active, exploring local events, maintaining strong family ties and social circles.

Omar Iqbal, M.D.

Dr. Iqbal was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. He completed his undergraduate degree at Loyola University Chicago and earned his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts and Nevis. His patient care philosophy includes raising awareness of health care disparities and promoting health literacy. His areas of clinical interest include preventative medicine, sports medicine, obesity medicine and hospitalist medicine. When Dr. Iqbal is not working, you can catch him enjoying outdoor activities, weight lifting, traveling with his wife, and expanding his social media page.

Ravi Jagani, M.D.

Dr. Ravi P. Jagani was born in Rajkot, India, and grew up in Brampton, Canada. Being passionate about medicine, he entered medical school after high school and earned his medical degree from All Saints University College of Medicine, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. His clinical areas of interest include caring for underserved populations and preventative medicine. Dr. Jagani’s patient care philosophy involves connecting with the patients at an individual level and valuing health and well-being practices through teaching his patients. In his free time, Dr. Jagani enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor activities, watching and playing cricket, and exploring new places.

Mirna Mikhael, M.D.

Dr. Mirna Mikhael was born and raised in Redondo Beach, California. She earned her medical degree from American University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine in Sint Maarten. She believes that patient care encompasses not only the body, but also the mind. She strives to provide care that is inclusive of patients’ diverse backgrounds and unique experiences. Dr. Mikhael’s areas of clinical interest include preventative medicine, women’s health, and procedures. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading, going to the beach or pool, traveling, and practicing her art skills.

Jason Pannozzo, M.D.

Dr. Jason Pannozzo was born and raised in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. He earned his medical degree from Medical University of the Americas in St.Kitts & Nevis. His clinical areas of interest include community medicine, urgent care and sports medicine. Dr. Pannozzo’s patient care philosophy is to practice both the art and science of medicine. A discipline where respectful compassion, patient advocacy, and teamwork intertwine with providing comprehensive care for all patients. His personal interests include traveling, outdoor activities, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Jagat Patel, M.D.

Dr. Jagat R Patel was born and raised in the small town of Oakland Park, Florida. He earned his medical degree from Windsor University School of Medicine in Saint Kitts. After graduating medical school, he worked as a medical board instructor, where he had an impact on patient lives through the training of future physician minds. Dr Patel’s philosophy in patient care involves building trust and long-lasting relationships with his patients to prevent diseases before they ever happen. His other clinical interest include behavioral health by promoting mindfulness and wellness, and advocating for social determinants of health and equity. When not seeing patients, Dr Patel loves being active in his community, watching and playing sports like basketball and football, trying different cuisines, going to the gym, experimenting in the kitchen, and enjoying time with friends and family.

Kaitlyn Pesterfield, M.D.

Dr. Pesterfield was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. She earned her bachelor of biological sciences degree from UC Irvine and went on to earn her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include community medicine, women’s health, obstetrics, and global health. Dr. Pesterfield focuses on treating patients as a whole with compassion and respect. She is a strong advocate of patient education and believes in the importance of working together with patients as a team. Dr. Pesterfield enjoys reading, traveling, swimming, hiking, and paddleboarding in her spare time.

First-Year Residents

Luc Lanteigne, M.D.

Dr. Lanteigne was born in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. He earned a degree in Biomedical biology at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, where he subsequently completed his honors thesis in cancer cell biology with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Dr. Lanteigne earned his medical degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine where he completed the Keith B. Taylor

Global Scholars program studying and training in various countries including the United Kingdom, Grenada and the United States. After Graduating medical school, Dr. Lanteigne completed his internship in General Surgery at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. His clinical interests include rural and community medicine, obstetrics, and emergency medicine. His patient care philosophy includes patient-oriented care, autonomy, and helping people achieve their health and life goals to serve their desired purpose in good and capable health. He enjoys classic cars, exercise, playing music, and spending time with his family.

Karen Melara Hernandez, M.D.

Dr. Hernandez was born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. She earned her medical degree from the National Autonomous University of Honduras. Her clinical areas of interest include global health and community medicine, preventive medicine, women’s health, and geriatrics. As part of her patient care philosophy, Dr. Melara Hernandez believes in building solid relationships with her patients. She’s interested in recognizing the overall impact of their medical concerns and providing truly individualized and wholesome care. In her spare time, she enjoys creating photographic content for her lifestyle blog, traveling, running, supporting various animal shelters, and spending quality time with her family.

Adam Pankowski, M.D.

Dr. Pankowski was born in Montreal, Canada. He attended the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland. He has experience studying and practicing medicine in Poland, France, Switzerland and the United States. His goal is to take the best practices from around the world to treat a diverse population.

Yash Patel, M.D.

Dr. Patel was born and raised in Limbdi, India. He earned his medical degree at GCS Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, India. His clinical areas of interest include preventive care, women’s health and community involvement. His approach to patient care emphasizes the development of enduring, trustworthy relationships with his patients. He is passionate about helping the underprivileged community by promoting health education and raising understanding of their individual needs. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring cars, outdoor activities, gardening, restorations and spending time with his family.

Maria Prince, M.D.

Dr. Prince was born in Guyana and grew up in Sint Maarten. She earned her medical degree from the Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine. Her clinical areas of interest include community medicine, urgent care, and medical education. Her patient care philosophy emphasizes treating every patient with the highest respect and forming lifelong relationships with them that continue for generations. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and listening to music.

Rabab Raja, M.D.

Dr. Raja was born in Pakistan and grew up in Calgary, Canada. She earned her medical degree from All Saints University School of Medicine. Her clinical areas of interest include women’s health and emergency medicine. Her patient care philosophy involves preventing chronic conditions through patient education. She is passionate about giving back to the community, providing compassionate care to underserved people, and eliminating healthcare disparities. Her interests are spending time with family and friends, cooking, and outdoor activities.

Vaiishnavi Ramesh, M.D.

Dr. Ramesh was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She earned her medical degree from Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia. Her clinical areas of interest include women’s health, pediatrics, and working with the underserved. Dr. Ramesh’s patient care philosophy is to emphasize the importance of preventative medicine and render service with compassion. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing/painting, singing, cooking, and exploring new restaurants. She is also professionally trained in an Indian classical dance form.

Vishav Sehdev, M.D.

Vishav Sehdev was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was inspired to become a physician after witnessing the devastating effects of people without homes, people with substance abuse issues, and people with mental health struggles at the motel his family owned as a child. He earned his bachelor’s in biology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and earned his medical degree from Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla, British West Indies, and during his studies developed an interest in behavioral health, underserved medicine, hospitalist, and sports medicine. His experience studying medicine and working with organizations such as the Vegas Rescue, Pilsen Food Pantry, Anguilla Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity speaks to Dr. Sehdev’s calm and empathic personality. His philosophy for patient care stems from providing competent and optimal care to patients, their families, and the community. Outside of work, Dr. Sehdev loves to root for the Las Vegas Raiders and the Vegas Golden Knights with his family and friends, he also enjoys working out to classic rock and attending live music concerts.

Sep Zichawo, M.D.

Dr. Zichawo was born in Zimbabwe, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She completed a dual. Bachelor of Science degree in General Chemistry and Cellular-Molecular Biology from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. She earned her medical degree from Saint James School of Medicine Anguilla. Her clinical areas of interest include emergency medicine, preventative medicine, behavioral health, hospital medicine and aesthetic medicine. Dr. Zichawo’s patient care philosophy involves seeing patients as more than a specific injury or condition, but rather a complex individual with health, lifestyle, emotional and other factors that must be weighed carefully to gain optimal results. Her personal interests include traveling, cooking, working out, spending time with family and cheering for her favorite sports teams.